Panthers preseason: Q&A with Bills Wire for Week 1 matchup

Panthers preseason: Q&A with Bills Wire for Week 1 matchup

A lot of Panthers fans have been calling the Bills “Carolina North” because of all the organizational influences. Thursday night, the two teams meet in the first preseason game of the year for both clubs.

To learn more about the copycats up in New York, we spoke with Bills Wire editor Nick Wojton, who answered a few questions.

Panthers Wire: Who do you think wins the Bills QB battle: A.J. McCarron or Josh Allen?

Bills Wire: Right now it’s an interesting battle. It’s actually between McCarron and Nathan Peterman for the starter role. Sean McDermott didn’t name a starter for the game and hinted that McCarron and Peterman could both play with the starting offense. So far, McCarron has been your steady vet during camp, not blowing anyone away, just limiting mistakes (usually). Peterman has been the more up-and-down guy. Some great days, some not so great.

The only way Allen gets back into the picture to be the starter is if he has a big game with the third-team offense on Thursday. During the first week of camp, he would hop in with the starting offense during team drills once a practice. However, for the past four days of camp, he hasn’t done that. Only third-stringer work.

Panthers Wire: What’s your take on Sean McDermott and how he has done as a head coach so far?

Bills Wire: When McDermott came into Buffalo discussing culture, I rolled my eyes. But you have to give him credit, he certainly did change that.

He removed guys like Sammy Watkins and Marcell Dareus, who have all the athleticism in the world, but… lacked other traits, we’ll say. Then added guys like safeties Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer who’ve surprised everyone.

In regard to X’s and O’s, McDermott’s very hands on with the secondary and they performed extremely well last season. They were really the unit that led the Bills to the postseason. Overall, the defense has preformed much better than it did under Rex Ryan.

Panthers Wire: How have Star Lotulelei and Kelvin Benjamin looked this offseason? Do you see a future for them in Buffalo?

Bills Wire: Lotulelei’s been quiet. The plan for him since day one is simply to be a ‘block-eater’ and make space for others along the front-seven to get after the quarterback. We’ll get our first true look on Thursday to see if that plan plays out.

Benjamin’s in a contract year so this is a real make-or-break year for him. Last season he did show flashes. Peterman is remembered for his picks, but during his brief playing time, he got the ball out to Benjamin pretty well and KB looked good using his frame. He’s done the same during training camp. But, injuries hampered Benjamin last season. If he can keep his knee healthy, he should have every opportunity to be successful.

Panthers Wire: Are there any rookies or under-the-radar guys who have stood out?

Bills Wire: It’s funny, he’s a first-round pick, but he’s not in the spotlight. Tremaine Edmunds has been a stud to this point. You might have heard of a guy named Luke Kuechly? That’s who folks compare him to the most with McDermott’s past in Carolina. Edmunds is big, fast, and only 20. He was 19 when drafted, even. Bills fans hope he’s the heart of the defense for the next decade-plus. Another rookie would be defensive tackle Harrison Phillips.

Outside of rookies, Brandon Reilly at wide receiver has been Buffalo’s “training camp darling” the past two camps. Behind Benjamin, it’s wide open on Buffalo depth chart. Reilly’s that lovable guy, who was a walk-on in college then signed with the team as an undrafted free agent, who Bills fans will be pulling for on Thursday.